How to Stay in Shape Over the Christmas & Festive Period
How to Stay in Shape Over the Christmas & Festive Period (without missing out on the fun)
Ah, Christmas. The nights are darker, the jumpers are fluffier, and your diary suddenly looks like a game of social Tetris. There’s the work do, family dinners, catch-ups with mates, and somehow a steady supply of mince pies that appear every time you walk into a room.
So if your normal routine feels a bit wobbly this time of year — totally normal. And here’s the most important thing to remember:
Christmas is a time to enjoy.
You will not undo all your hard work because you’ve had a big dinner, a few treats, or a couple of quieter weeks. Fitness isn’t made (or lost) in one week. What matters most is what you do the rest of the year.
That said, if you want to stay on track in a flexible, realistic way (without being “that person” who brings Tupperware to Christmas lunch), here are a few simple tips that work around real life and social plans.
1. Think “maintenance,” not perfection
December isn’t the month for smashing PBs or going full beast mode. Life’s busy. Instead, aim to keep the habit alive. Even 2–3 short sessions a week is plenty to maintain your fitness and keep you feeling good.
If you manage more, lovely. If you don’t, no drama.
2. Short workouts count — big time
You don’t need a full hour to get a solid workout in. A 20–30 minute session with circuits, supersets or a quick HIIT finisher can be bang on. It’s enough to lift your mood, keep your strength up, and stop you feeling like you’ve “fallen off”.
Think: get in, get it done, crack on with Christmas.
3. Keep meals balanced… and enjoy the treats
Let’s be honest — there will be chocolate, cheese boards, picky bits, and puddings. And that’s the point.
The trick isn’t to avoid it all. It’s to anchor your day with the basics:
a decent protein source each meal
some fruit/veg where you can
normal eating around the extras
That way you’re still fuelled, still satisfied, and you can enjoy the festive stuff without it turning into an all-day graze-fest (unless it’s Christmas Day… then do your thing).
4. Drink more water than you think you need
Cold weather makes us forget to drink, and festive drinks don’t exactly help. Keep a bottle handy and sip through the day — you’ll feel better, train better, and probably snack less out of boredom.
5. Make movement part of the fun
Not every bit of movement needs to be a “workout”. Walks with family, a bit of ice skating, dancing at parties, even running around after the kids — it all counts.
If you can get someone to join you for a gym session or class, even better. Makes it more social, and way more likely to happen.
6. Don’t panic about “off days”
A big meal or a few indulgent days won’t wipe out your progress. Your body doesn’t work like that. Progress is built over months, not ruined overnight.
Enjoy the day, then just go back to your normal routine afterwards. No punishment workouts. No skipping meals. No “right, I’ll start again in January.”
7. Sleep is your secret weapon
Late nights and early starts can leave you feeling hungrier, sluggish, and less motivated. You don’t need perfect sleep — just try to protect it where you can. A rested body handles Christmas much better.
8. Set yourself up for January (without rushing it)
Think of December as a gentle warm-up for the new year. Book a few sessions in for January, set yourself a small goal, or plan what you want to focus on next. Having a bit of structure waiting for you makes the return to routine feel easy, not overwhelming.
Final word
Christmas is for enjoying — properly.
It’s a time to be with family, catch up with friends, have a laugh, and make memories. You don’t need to stress about being perfect or earning your dinner.
Our guidance is here to help you stay on track flexibly around all the social stuff — so you can feel good, keep moving, and still say yes to the roasties.
Have a brilliant Christmas. Make the most of it. 🎄💛